Intrauterine devices (IUD’s) are small ‘T’ shaped plastic devices. They are placed inside the uterus by a specially trained doctor to prevent pregnancy and sometimes to manage painful or heavy menstruation.
The non-hormonal IUD is 99.2-99.4% effective at preventing pregnancy and lasts 5 or 10 years depending on the type. The hormonal IUD (Mirena) also releases small amounts of the hormone progestogen for up to five years. Mirena is 99.8% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Benefits:
- You don’t have to remember to take a pill every day.
- Periods usually become lighter and sometimes stop altogether.
- It starts working right away if it’s put in during the first five days of your period.
- Fertility returns as soon as it’s taken out.
- It’s safe to use if you’re breastfeeding or are unable to take oestrogen.
- An inexpensive form of contraception lasting 5 years. The total out of pocket cost for the procedure and the pre-insertion consultation if you have a Medicare card is $100.
As with all contraception, there are potential risks with IUDs. These vary depending on the individual patient and are fully explained during the consent process.
Unfortunately there are no doctors presently trained in IUD insertion at Como GP. However, a referral can be made to local centres where this service may be provided.
